District judge candidate Danny Alvarez dies day after winning primary

Attorney Danny Alvarez died Wednesday, a day after being the top vote-getter in a primary to be a Jefferson district judge. Jonathan Hurst, Alvarez's campaign manager, said he died at Baptist East Hospital after collapsing at home.
Terry Lipshetz/Courier Journal/Wochit

Attorney Danny Alvarez died Wednesday, a day after being the top vote-getter in a primary to be a Jefferson district judge.

Jonathan Hurst, Alvarez's campaign manager, said he died at Baptist East Hospital after collapsing at home.

Alvarez, 43, was an immigration lawyer and had a wife and three children, according to his campaign's Facebook page.

"Danny Alvarez was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet," said attorney Brian Butler, Alvarez's campaign treasurer and friend. "He could light up any room with a smile and his booming laugh. Everyone loved Danny. This is a devastating loss to his family, his friends and the entire legal community.”

Alvarez earned the most votes in the 9th Division primary on Tuesday. His showing would have put him in a November runoff election against Tanisha Ann Hickerson, who came in second. If he won, it is believed he would have become the first Hispanic judge in Jefferson County.

Daniel Alvarez, left, hands off his 5-month old daughter, Gabriela Alvarez, center, to Craig Wheatley, right, to try to feed. Wheatley and his wife, Amy, are expecting their first child in April.
, Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal

Two of the three defense tables faced the jury pool and the third defense table sat behind them in the very crowded courtroom: l-r front: Attorney Charlie Ricketts, and his brother and co-counsel Jonathan Ricketts, and their client Derek Edmonds, Attorney Daniel Alvarez, defendant Tyreese Hall and Alvarez co-counsel Joe Ansari. Behind Alvarez to his left is Dewayne Edmonds and his counsel, Jeremy Rogers.
, David R. Lutman/ Special to Courier Journal

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Alvarez was born in New York City to immigrant parents, according to his law firm's website. He moved to Kentucky in 1989.

He previously worked at the Jefferson County Public Defender's Office, according to his website before opening his own practice.

Alvarez said in a video on his personal Facebook page on Tuesday that visited his grandmother's grave, saying she was his rock. "I wouldn't be here if it was not for love, for her guidance, for her support and for her sense of giving and her sense of community. ... I miss her very much, so much, but I know she's looking down from heaven."

“Not only is Danny’s untimely death a tragic loss for his wonderful young family, but it’s a real loss for the legal community and the justice system," said Dan Goyette, chief public defender, where Alvarez started his legal career. "He had so much to offer and such a bright future … it’s devastatingly sad news for all those who knew and loved him.”

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